Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular Council Session

Minutes

Monday, January 15, 2024

6:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Hybrid Meeting (Virtual and In-Person)

Present:

• Mayor Colin Grantham
• Deputy Mayor Mike McGuire
• Councillor John Brennan
• Councillor Frank Kennes
• Councillor Steve Pelkman
• Councillor Donna Pammer
• Councillor Sandi Hipple
• Councillor Greg Willsie
• Councillor Brian Derbyshire

Also Present:

• Trisha McKibbin, Chief Administrative Officer
• Jennifer Pereira, Deputy Clerk/Lottery Licensing Officer (Recorder)
• Brianna Hammer-Keidel, Deputy Clerk/Communications Co-ordinator (Recorder)
• Bill Dakin, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
• Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community Services
• Jennifer Huff, Director of Building and Planning
• Doug Payne, Director of Human Resources
• Tim Williams, Planner
• Jake Straus, Director of Engineering & Public Works
• Mark Campbell, Police Chief

Others Present:

• Mike DeVos, Spriet Associates

  Wayne Robinson

  Chris Monteith

  Lauren Monteith

  Shannon Johnston

  Carolyn Hull - Johnston

  Rob Talach

  Dominik Talach

  Jazzy Carter

  Bradley Carter

  Kate Walsh

  Adam Carter

  Brandy Teall

  Porter Teall-Cornelis

  Natham James Stiles

  Chris Cornelis

  Dale Hoose

  Anastasiia Siniak

  Mark Shevchuk

  Rosa Shevchuk

  Artem Shevchuk

  Eleanor Stiles

  Jim Ballantine

  Joe Walsh

  Tony Noordhof

---

1.

Roll Call

The Clerk has confirmed Council attendance.

2.

Call to Order/Approve Agenda

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the January 15, 2024 - Regular Council Meeting Agenda be approved as circulated.

  Carried

3.

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

None.

4.

Presentations/Delegations/Petitions

4.1

Medal of Distinction Presentations

Mayor Colin Grantham presents the Medal of Distinction awards to Ian Johnson and Rob Talach.

5.

Approval of Minutes

5.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes – December 18, 2023

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the Regular Council meeting minutes of December 18, 2023 be approved as written.

  Carried

5.2

Special Council Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2024

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the Special Council meeting minutes of January 9, 2024 be approved as written.

  Carried

6.

Notice of Motion

6.1

Councillor Donna Pammer- Not to be Voted

6.2

Mayor Colin Grantham - Not to be Voted

6.3

Deputy Mayor Mike McGuire- Not to be Voted

6.4

Mayor Colin Grantham - Not to be Voted

7.

Drainage Matters

7.1

Consideration of Drainage Report - Ballantine - Christina Road Drain 2023 - EPW-2024-01

7.1.1

Staff will give an overview of the work provided.

Mike DeVos, Spriet Associates presents on the consideration of the Christina Road Drain 2023

7.1.2

Questions from affected property owners.

None.

7.1.3

Requests from those present to add or remove their name(s) from the petition.

None.

7.1.4

Comments or questions from Members of Council.

None.

7.1.5

Decision. (If approved, first and second reading of the by-law is required.)

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: Council receive Report EPW 2024-01 for information, and further;
  THAT: Council adopt the Engineers Report for the Ballantine – Christina Road Drain 2023 and give first and second reading to provisional By-law No. 01-24 for the project.

  Carried

7.2

Court of Revision

7.2.1

Baran Drain 2023 – Court of Revision - EPW-2024-02

7.2.1.1

Resolution to open Court of Revision

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: the Court of Revision for the Baran Drain 2023 be hereby opened.

  Carried

7.2.1.2

Appeals (if any) for Baran Drain 2023.

None.

7.2.1.3

Questions from Council.

None.

7.2.1.4

Decision.

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council receive Report EPW 2024-02 for information, and further;
  THAT: Subject to any appeals, provisional By-law No. 89-23 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws section of the agenda for third and final reading.

  Carried

7.2.1.5

Resolution to close Court of Revision.

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the Court of Revision for the Baran Drain 2023 be hereby closed.

  Carried

7.2.2

Winters Drain 2023 – Court of Revision - EPW-2024-03

7.2.2.1

Resolution to open Court of Revision.

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: the Court of Revision for the Winters Drain 2023 be hereby opened.

  Carried

7.2.2.2

Appeals (if any) for the Winters Drain 2023.

None.

7.2.2.3

Questions from Council.

None.

7.2.2.4

Decision.

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: Report EPW-2024-03 Winters Drain 2023 – Court of Revision be received for information; and further, 
  THAT: Subject to any appeals, provisional By-law No. 92-23 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws section of the agenda for third and final reading.

  Carried

7.2.2.5

Resolution to close Court of Revision.

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the Court of Revision for the Winters Drain 2023 be hereby closed.

  Carried

8.

Communications

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council receive the communication items for information.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: the Council of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc supports the resolution from the City of Stratford for the CEBA loan businesses; and further;
  THAT: a letter of support be forwarded to the City of Stratford and our local MP.

  Carried

8.1

Middlesex-London Health Unit - November 2023 Board of Health Update

8.2

City of Stratford - Resolution and Correspondence Regarding More Business Support for CEBA Loans

8.3

Conmee Township - Resolution Requesting Individuals with Criminal Records Be Disqualified from Becoming a Candidate in Municipal Elections

8.4

Township of Asphodel-Norwood - Resolution Regarding Rising Municipal Insurance Costs

8.5

Town of Aurora - Resolution Regarding Community Safety and Inciteful Hate Speech

8.6

Town of Aurora - Resolution Regarding Homelessness Crisis

8.7

Tay Township - Resolution Requesting Provincial Cemetery Management Support

9.

Reports from Departments

9.1

Financial Services 

9.1.1

Section 357 Application - FIN-2024-02

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT:  Council receive Report FIN-2024-02 for information, and further;
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: The submitted Section 357 Application for 2023 Wellington Street to remove the commercial assessment portion from the property be approved.

  Carried

9.1.2

Asset Retirement Obligation Policy - FIN-2024-03

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive Report FIN 2024-03 Asset Retirement Obligation Policy for information, and further;
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Council adopts the Asset Retirement Obligation Policy, and further;
  THAT: By-law No. 06-24 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for approval.

  Carried

9.1.3

Compensation Adjustments for Elected Officials and Non-Union Staff for the Preliminary 2024 Operating Budget - FIN-2024-01

• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council receive for information Report FIN 2024-01 Compensation Adjustments for Elected Officials and Non-Union Staff for the Preliminary 2024 Operating Budget, and further;
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council acknowledges the 2024 step advancements for non-union staff and approves expenditures related to the Cost-of-Living rate increase (COLA) for the Non-Union Salary Grid and Council remuneration at 2.0% effective January 1, 2024.

  Carried

9.1.4

2024 Interim Tax Levy Bylaw - FIN-2024-04

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Report FIN-2024-04 be received for information, and further;
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: The 2024 Interim Tax Levy be no more than 50% of the total taxes for municipal and school purposes levied for the year 2023, and further;
  THAT: By-law 05-24 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for approval.

  Carried

9.2

Community Services

9.2.1

Expression of Interest for a Public, Private Partnership for the Development, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of an Ice Arena and Community Centre - CS-2024-02

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Council receive report CS-2024-02 for information and further;
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: Council refer the Expression of Interest back to staff.

  Carried

9.3

Engineering and Public Works 

9.3.1

Cost Breakdown for Parkhouse Drive and Troops Road Letter Response - EPW-2023-71

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council receive Report EPW-2024-05 for information.

  Carried

9.3.2

Traffic Committee Q4 Update - EPW-2024-04

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council receive Report EPW-2024-04 Traffic Committee Q4 Update for information.

  Carried

9.3.3

Sanitary Private Drain Connection – Council Motion Deferral - EPW-2023-78

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Derbyshire

  THAT: Council defer the report to the next meeting of February 5, 2024.

  Carried

9.4

Chief Administrative Officer 

9.4.1

2024 Seasonal Recruiting - HR-2024-01

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: Report HR-2024-01 “2024 Seasonal Recruiting” be received for information, and further;
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: Council approves Option #2, with the exception of the Temporary Fire Prevention Officer, the recruitment and hiring of all listed 2024 seasonal positions equivalent to the 2023 hiring, and directs the Human Resources Director to commence the recruitment immediately. 

  Carried
• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: Council receive a report from the Fire Chief/Deputy Chief at the earliest budget meeting in regards to the Temporary Fire Prevention Officer position.

  Carried

9.4.2

Conservation Authority Agreement – Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority - CAO-2024-01

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT:  Council receive Report CAO-2024 - 01 Conservation Authority Agreement for information.
  
  

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: Council direct the Mayor and Clerk to execute the agreements, and further;
  THAT: By-law No. 03-24 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for approval.  

  Carried

9.4.3

Hiring Report – GIS / Planning Assistant and Flex Operators - HR-2024-02

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Report HR-2024-02, Hiring Report – GIS/Planning Assistant and Flex Operators, be received for information.

  Carried

10.

Reports from Boards and Committees

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the reports from boards and committees be received for information.

  Carried

10.1

Tri-Township Arena Meeting Minutes- November 9, 2023

10.2

Police Services Board Monthly Activity Reports - November 2023

10.3

Police Services Board Meeting Minutes - November 21, 2023

10.4

St. Clair Region Conservation Authority Meeting Highlights- December 7, 2023

10.5

Community Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - November 14, 2023

11.

County Council Report

11.1

Middlesex County Council Highlights - December 12, 2023

12.

Enquiries or Comments by Members

Councillor Pelkman inquires if the stop light proposed for Head Street and Metcalfe Street is on the agenda for this year to be completed., Deputy Mayor McGuire indicates that it is on the agenda for 2024. 

Councillor Derbyshire wonders if the Melbourne Agricultural Society can receive a lump sum payment from the municipality instead of going through the application process. Director Lilbourne explains that this has gone to CDAC and staff will be reaching out to them to assist in putting together an application in order to fit the guidelines.

Mayor Grantham will be attending the ROMA 2024 Conference. The conference will address policy issues and funding concerns. The Provincial Minister is one of the delegates and will be discussing local issues. 

13.

Schedule of Meetings

• Tuesday, January 16, 2024 @ 5:30 p.m. - Special Meeting of Council
• Tuesday, January 16, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.- Finance Committee Meeting
• Wednesday, January 17, 2024 @ 5:00 p.m. - Special Meeting of Council
• Thursday, January 18, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m. - Finance Committee Meeting
• Monday, January 29, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. - Special Meeting of Council
• Tuesday, January 30, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m. - Finance Committee Meeting
• Monday February 05, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. - Regular Council Meeting

14.

In Camera

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT:  Council move into closed session at 7:47 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the following:

  • • One item in accordance with Council's Procedure By-law (to approve In Camera Meeting Minutes)
    • One item pursuant to Section 239(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board;
    • Two items pursuant to Section 239(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposal of land by the municipality or local board;
    • One item pursuant to Section 239(e) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board.
  Carried

15.

Open Session Resume

• Moved by Councillor Pelkman
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: Closed Session adjourn at 9:21 p.m. and Open Session resume.

  Carried

16.

Report on Closed Session

Mayor Grantham reports that Council moved into closed session for the purpose of discussing the following:

• One item in accordance with Council's Procedure By-law (to approve In Camera Meeting Minutes);
• One item pursuant to Section 239(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board;
• Two items pursuant to Section 239(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposal of land by the municipality or local board;
• One item pursuant to Section 239(e) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board.

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: the direction in Closed Session be approved.

  Carried

17.

Consideration of By-laws

17.1

By-law No. 89-23

• Moved by Councillor Pammer
  Seconded by Councillor Pelkman

  THAT: By-law 89-23 receive third and final reading.

  Carried

17.2

By-law No. 92-23

• Moved by Deputy Mayor McGuire
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: By-law 92-23 receive third and final reading.

  Carried

17.3

By-law No. 01-24

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: By-law 01-24 receive first and second reading.

  Carried

17.4

By-law No. 02-24

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Willsie

  THAT: By-law 02-24 be referred back to staff. 

  Carried

17.5

By-law No. 03-24

• Moved by Councillor Hipple
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: By-law 03-24 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

17.6

By-law No. 04-24

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Pammer

  THAT: By-law 04-24 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

17.7

By-law No. 05-24

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: By-law 05-24 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

17.8

By-law No. 06-24

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Hipple

  THAT: By-law 06-24 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

17.9

By-law No. 08-24 

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Councillor Brennan

  THAT: By-law 08-24 receive first, second and third and final reading.

  Carried

17.10

By-law No. 10-24

• Moved by Councillor Kennes
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor McGuire

  THAT: By-law 10-24 receive first, second and third and final reading.

   

  Carried

18.

Adjournment

• Moved by Councillor Brennan
  Seconded by Councillor Kennes

  THAT: the January 15, 2024 - Regular Council Meeting adjourn at 9:38 p.m.

  Carried